my last duchess Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the name of the poem that explores themes of power and conflict?
My Last Duchess
What does the portrait of the Duchess symbolize?
The Duke’s control and possession over her even in death.
What literary device is prominently used in ‘My Last Duchess’?
Dramatic monologue
why did browning use a dramatic monologue
the choice of this perspective shows the Domineering presence of the duke, who won’t let anyone else speak because he tends to take control of everything
what is the structure of this poem
a single stanza
what poem can be compared to this poem
ozymandias
how are these poems both similar
In both these poems, the origin of pride is love for oneself and one’s power. This is expressed in ozymandias through the form of the sonnet, as it is a love poem to show the kings love for himself. In MLD, the duke loves his ‘nine hundred year old name’ and feels entitled to authority and control because of it.
why does browning use an iambic pentameter
browning uses an iambic pentameter to reflects how the duke holds traditional and conservative views of women, especially as the poem is set in the past.
why has browning done this
this structure mirrors the duke’s power, suggesting his presence is overwhelming as he dominates the room and poem.
how has browning used enjambment
the use of enjambment allows the poem to flow and seem more like a natural conversation
what does this enjambment present
this presents the duke as weak and unbalanced as he is gets carried away and starts rambling.
how are possessive pronouns used
the speaker makes use of possessive pronouns such as “my” to show that he has ownership of the duchess, and shows that she is a possession not an individual.
what is the first quote from the poem
‘will’t please you sit and look at her?’
what is meant by this quote
the duke forces his visitor to sit down with a rhetorical question, which implied that the duke is in sole control of who’s see’s her. (This quote creates a sinister tone due to the command from the duke)
how does this quote highlight the dukes objectification over the duchess?
he treats her as a piece of art to be admired, rather than a living person.
what does the quote ‘nine-hundred-years-old name’ suggest
it shows the duke holds status and power within society, but also a reflection of how the woman is now owned but he husband, as she has to take his name.
what language technique is used in this quote
a alliteration
why has browning used an alliteration
The repetition of the “n” sound in “nine-hundred-years-old name” adds emphasis to the phrase and creates a musicality that draws attention to the Duke’s pride in his family history.
what is the last quote from this poem
‘Notice Neptune, though, taming a sea horse thought a rarity.
what does the metaphor Neptune mean
the metaphor of Neptune suggests the duke sees himself as god-like
what does this quote mean?
This image is significant because it symbolizes the Duke’s desire for control and dominance, reflecting his own perceived ability to “tame” those around him, including his wife
what does the second part of the quote suggests
The Duke emphasizes that the statue is rare and valuable, highlighting his status and wealth. He uses this art piece as a symbol of his own power and worth
what is the similarity between MLD and ozymandias
in. both poems, the origin of pride is love for oneself and one’s power. This is expresses in ozymandias throughout he form of the sonnet, as its a love poem to show the kings love for himself.
How is this shown in MLD
The duke loves his ‘nine hundred year old name’ and feels entitled to authority and control because of it.
